If you wouldn't mind starting the poll, then that would be awesome. Also, if you could have people post, or if you could collect, their e-mail, shirt size, and color choice. I'm assuming we'll do black print, and then people can choose any color I have up on my website. For a 1 color print one-sided shirt pricing would start at $13 and it would go down with the more shirts that are ordered. Baby-dolls and sweatshirts could be ordered for extra, as on the site. Once we have a fair number of people together I can send out invoices through Google Checkout, have people pay, and then I'll print up the shirts and within 3-4 days send them out to everyone.

 

OK, I've started the poll. Now it's up to you to follow up.

 

Great article - but makes no sense how the suction method could get all the oil. Neither the dipstick tube nor oil pump inlet screen could reach the absolute bottom of the pan.
I'll drain mine from the bottom the old fashioned way - I have always let mine drip for 30 minutes or so and adjust the angle a bit with the jack - can't get much more certain of an empty pan than that.

 

It's really not necessary to get all the oil out of the case, your really obsessive if it bothers you that much to crawl under the car to drain it for that last couple ounces of oil.

 

Draining from the bottom also helps flush the pan by the flow of the oil out the drain. Sucking from the top just leaves the muck in there.
Since you must not be obsessive, I guess you don't think you should warm the engine to aid in getting as much oil out as possible (why else would you warm the engine except to keep your hands warm?).

 

Test have been done on both ways of draining the oil. All oil pans have a lip on the inside at the drain plug. It doesn't allow all the oil to come out. Sucking the oil out from the top has shown to get out more oil. Also as long as you run the engine first to warm it up all the dirt is suspended in the oil and also comes out. Synthetic oil doesn't make sludge. Most MB dealers use the suction method.

 

senginc, if you warm you car up to temperature and insert the Teflon tube far enough down the dip stick tube it will hit the bottom of the oil pan. I have personally measured the amount of oil recovered from traditional method through the drain plug and using the TopSider. The TopSider actually recovers more oil then draining the oil through the drain plug. I am not expecting you take my word for it, because it is one of those things you have to see to believe. I now use the TopSider on all my vehicles and my lawn mowers.

 

Looking back at the older posts I see that the average oil change was $100. So I called to dealers around here and they both quoted $150. 50% increase in 3 years. How come my paychecks haven't gone up that much? Whatever!!!

 

I know what you mean. I bought my own oil for $50 (8 quarts at autozone/advanced auto at $6 quart). I was quoted $35 bucks over the phone when I told them I would bring my own oil. When I got there the service writer wrote it up as estimated as $90. I told them that I brought my own oil. He said ok, we'll remove oil cost when we write the bill. When they finished they still charged me $70 ($25 bucks for the filter, $45 for labor (i.e. .5 hours @ $90/hr). The labor cost to me seems ridiculous (it should have been no more than half that). $120 for an oil change is a little much. I really have to look into a better/cheaper alternative (i.e. myself, or an independent MB mechanic). Any suggestions on where to buy the oil or filter cheaper?

 

I buy my oil (Mobil 1), my oil filter (Mann) put my car on my hoist, lift it and change oil. Only cost me $52 plus $50,000 for garage, hoist and tooling. Keeps me entertained in retirement...

Gary

 

Must be nice...

 

I have just finished reading all of the comments on the oil changes and I will do them myself. I do have a question regarding the changing of oil due to age not mileage. My car has a build date of 9/04 and I bought it new in 4/07. It now has 700 miles on it and the oil has been in it for 2 ½ years. Should I change it now for this reason or does the synthetic oil age gracefully?

Scott
2005 SRT6
1974 MB 450SL

 

$60 dollars worth of preventive maintenance is cheap in comparison to your investment. Replace the air filters to; there’s nothing like peace-of-mind.

Sound like you got a great deal. Enjoy your SRT6 is a nice ride. Enjoy!!

 

Topsider Oil Changer
Can anyone share their experiences using this product?

I am considering buying one to do my own oil changes. I have read a few negative comments about the performance of this product. The comments mostly said that once you get the oil up to temp the plastic hose gets too warm and hinders the extraction of the oil. I would appreciate any feedback on the Topsider oil changer.

Scott
2005 SRT6
1974 MB 450SL

 

I use a Moeller Fluid Extractor:

http://www.amazon.com/Moeller-Extrac.../dp/B000MTB83M

Works like a charm. Haven't had any issues with it. Bought it locally at a Marine/Boat shop.

 

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=45403

Great product, great price - 10 Qt capacities (2 1/2 gal) No hassle returns

They are right down the road from me (HUGE Warehouse) but I do know they deliver on time.

Let your engine cool for 5-10 min prior to extraction,

Hope this helps.

BB

 

Or if you have a compressor and want to go big time:

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=46149

 

$107.70 is the price I will be charged on May 24th at Green Automotive in Abilene Kansas. It seems about right to me and these people have taken good care of my X Fire. The car has had no issues at all. It's a great car! Close to $116 with tax.

 

Seems high,but with the volatile oil market who knows. Have you checked with the local Chrysler dealer? I always have service work done there. Can you speak Russian? Don't forget to rotate tires or should I say side to side. Maybe a member in your area could help.

 

I bought one this week ($49.99 at West Marine) and plan on using it sometime this weekend on both my Crossfire and Honda Odyssey. I'll let you know how it goes. BTW, the instruction sheet specifically says that the oil should be warm but not hot, FWIW.